Watch out for all sorts of spirits, ghosts and creatures that are said to roam Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion at the most spine-tingling time of the year. Mischievous goblins, wizards and witches are some of the shadowy figures that are believed to break through from the otherworld to torment the people in Mourne Gullion Strangford at Halloween.
Many Halloween stories originate in ancient Ireland from the Celtic festival of Samhain, the forerunner of all modern Halloween celebrations, when the door between the realms of life and death opened. As millions of children and adults participate in the fun of Halloween, few will be aware of its ancient Celtic roots in the Samhain (Samain) festival.
In Celtic Ireland about 2,000 years ago, Samhain was the division of the year between the lighter half (summer) and the darker half (winter). At Samhain the division between this world and the otherworld was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through.
With its vast wealth of history, it's no surprise that Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has plenty of haunted castles, spine-chilling stories and eerie ghouls that lurk around old pubs, hotels and attractions.
Legend has it that Newcastle is home to a plethora of restless spirits, trapped between the realms of the living and the dead. From ghostly apparitions to unexplained phenomena, Newcastle seems to have it all. So with that in mind, our resident ghost hunters have picked out a selection of places that are known for their creepy and peculiar tales…
The legend of the Black Dog of the Rock adds a fascinating layer to Newcastle’s folklore! This apparition, described as a donkey-sized dog with glowing eyes and sharp teeth, is indeed said to haunt the area around St. John’s Church. The connection to the Earl of Annesley and the church’s construction in 1832 gives it a historical context that many local stories thrive on. The association of black dogs with graveyards and their role as guardians is a common motif in folklore, suggesting that they protect the resting places from harm. The mystery of why the Black Dog is seen near a church without a cemetery deepens the intrigue—perhaps it symbolises the forgotten or unmarked resting places of the past. Such tales contribute to the town's rich narrative tapestry, drawing both locals and visitors into its haunted history.
Tollymore Forest Park is said to be the domain of the Blue Lady, a wistful spectre who formerly resided in Tollymore House, but since the destruction of the house, she now wanders restlessly through the park. She is said to be looking for her lost husband.
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During WW2 American soldiers billeted in the house claimed to have seen her on the stairs, but since its destruction, in the 1950s, she now wanders restlessly through the forest park and has been seen on many a dark night walking the tree lined avenue, or standing in the hermitage.
Newcastle Harbour is home of many a legend and story - a banshee has been seen walking silently among the tied up boats and lobster pots, her appearance is said to herald a death, described by locals as a small woman with a high pitched voice. Overlooking Newcastle Harbour is Bogey Hill. In 1843 there was a fishing disaster whereby many local men were drowned, a woman, dressed in black is said to stand on the hill, looking out to sea, sobbing and mourning the loss..
Another infamous tale revolves around the haunted ruins of Dundrum Castle. Locals claim to have witnessed shadowy figures lurking in the corners, whispering voices echoing through the empty ruins and an overwhelming feeling of unease that sends shivers down your spine. It’s as if the ghosts of the past refuse to let go, forever haunting this once majestic castle.
But that’s not all ! The chilling tales continue with the mysterious Mourne Mountains. These majestic peaks, shrouded in mist and mystery, are said to be a hotbed for supernational activity. Hikers have reported hearing cries and whispers, feeling an icy breath on their necks, and even catching glimpses of ghostly figures disappearing into thin air.
Beware of the Slieve Binnian light, also known as the "Binnian Ghost Light," this mysterious phenomenon reported by some hikers and locals in the Mourne Mountains is described as a strange, glowing light that appears on the slopes of Slieve Binnian, particularly during foggy or dark nights. Reports vary, with some describing it as a single bright orb, while others see multiple lights moving around the mountain. The origins of the light remain unclear, leading to various theories, from natural phenomena like atmospheric reflections to more supernatural explanations, such as ghostly apparitions or the spirits of those who have wandered the hills. The allure of the Slieve Binnian Light adds an extra layer of intrigue to the area, drawing adventurers and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
The legend of Lough Shannagh in the Mourne Mountains is a captivating tale steeped in local folklore. One of the most popular stories is about a tragic love affair. It’s said that a young couple fell deeply in love but faced disapproval from their families. In a desperate bid to be together, they attempted to elope but tragically drowned in the lake.
Their spirits are believed to wander the shores of Lough Shannagh, searching for each other. Some say that on misty nights, you can hear their voices calling out, echoing across the water. The lake itself is often described as eerie and enchanting, adding to the legend's mystique.
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Another haunting tale is the legend of the Lough Shannagh Fox, this story is a mixture of local folklore and eerie supernatural elements, centered on a mysterious and malevolent fox said to inhabit the area.
The story goes that long ago, a huntsman roamed the Mourne Mountains with his faithful pack of hounds, relentlessly pursuing a particular red fox. The fox was exceptionally clever, always managing to evade capture, which only fueled the huntsman's obsession. On one fateful day, after an exhausting chase through the rugged landscape, the huntsman finally cornered the fox near the shores of Lough Shannagh. In a moment of triumph, he prepared to kill the fox, but as he raised his weapon, the fox turned and locked eyes with the huntsman. Legend says that the fox's eyes glowed unnaturally bright, and in an instant, the animal let out a blood-chilling cry. It was no ordinary fox.
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As the huntsman struck, something sinister happened—the fox vanished, leaving behind only a heavy mist that enveloped the lake. The huntsman, overcome with fear and exhaustion, fell to his knees and died shortly afterward, his body found lifeless near the shore. The fox was never seen again—at least, not in the way one might expect.
Locals say that the huntsman's obsession and his final act of violence unleashed a curse upon the area. From that day forward, sightings of a phantom fox have been reported near Lough Shannagh. This spectral fox is said to appear on foggy nights or just before a storm, its glowing eyes eerily visible through the mist. It is described as larger than a normal fox, with a coat that shifts between shades of red and white, and its movements are unnaturally fast, almost as if it glides across the ground. Locals warn that seeing the fox near the lake signals impending danger or death. Hikers and farmers who frequent the Mournes have shared tales of strange encounters near Lough Shannagh: inexplicable feelings of dread, hearing distant howling in the wind, or finding the footprints of a large fox that suddenly disappear without a trace. Some even claim that the fox can lead travelers astray in the dense fog, causing them to become lost in the mountains.
The Legend of the Lough Shannagh Fox remains a captivating tale in Mourne folklore. The story, with its themes of obsession, death, and the supernatural, resonates with the mysterious, rugged beauty of the Mourne Mountains. To this day, locals and visitors alike keep an eye out for the ghostly fox when they pass near Lough Shannagh, wary of the ancient curse and the eerie presence that might still linger by the water’s edge.
The caves around the Mournes, particularly those near Slieve Donard, are said to be haunted by spirits of ancient warriors. Some adventurers have claimed to feel a chill or hear whispers while exploring them.
If you are roaming around Slieve Gullion watch out for the Cailleach Beara. Don't be fooled by this young lady, perserve your youth from the old hag.
So, if you’re a fan of all things haunted and enjoy the thrill of the unknown, Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion might just be the place for you this Halloween, but be warned, for those who dare to venture into the realm of the supernational, there’s no turning back. Are you ready to face the ghosts that lurk in the shadows…
